2017 Ontario Business Achievement Award Recipients

Founded by John Losani and his son Lino Losani in 1976, and later joined by younger son Fred Losani in 1985, Losani Homes has an immediately recognizable style.

“To have been recognized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has been Losani Homes’ distinct honour. As a company, we share many of the OCC’s idealogies and vision for the province making this win particularly meaningful. Winning this award has already opened many doors for our company, and will continue to be a point of recognition for us moving forward.” – John-Anthony Losani, Public Relations Manager, Losani Homes

Geotab is a global leader in telematics, providing open platform fleet management solutions to businesses of all sizes. Geotab’s intuitive, full-featured solutions help businesses better manage their drivers and vehicles by extracting accurate and actionable intelligence from real-time and historical trips data.

Aviation GSE is one of the fastest-growing Ground Support Equipment companies. We are located only 10 minutes away from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), furthermore equipped with a 35,000 square-foot manufacturing facility, we are the largest GSE solutions operator in Canada. Because we are the largest, we have all of the dedication and resources you need for an effective ground support team.

With a mission to transform natural resources into prosperity and sustainable development, Vale is a global mining company with headquarters in Brazil. We are leaders in the production of iron ore and the second largest producer of nickel.​

“We are honoured that Vale’s Ontario Operations received the 2017 OBAA Corporate Citizen Award. The nomination from our local Chamber and community recognition has been very positive and we thank the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for this acknowledgement.” – Danica Pagnutti, Corporate and Indigenous Affairs, Vale Canada Limited

Working from an anti-racism anti-oppression framework, YWCA Hamilton is a multi-service, community based organization providing programs and services for women and girls.

“It was an honour to accept the 2017 Ontario Leader in Accessible Employment Award on behalf of staff and volunteers at the YWCA Hamilton. In 2011, YWCA Hamilton embarked on a challenge to increase the cultural competency of staff and foster a more inclusive space for girls, women, and their families. This included developing Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression policies and mandatory training for all staff. Operating from a human rights based model, YWCA Hamilton endeavoured to further enhance its training to include specialized training on trans-inclusion and improve its accessibility policies and plans. As a Not-For-Profit we have seen that this investment in creating an accessible and inclusive workplace adds tremendous value to our organization. To be recognized by both the Ontario and Hamilton Chambers of Commerce at their Business Achievement Awards was a true honour and recognition of the hard work done by our staff and volunteers in the development of an inclusive workplace culture for all.” – Denise Christopherson, CEO, YWCA Hamilton

As the inventors of flexible foam for equipment insulation and a leading provider of engineered foams, Armacell develops innovative and safe thermal, acoustic and mechanical solutions that create sustainable value for its customers. Armacell’s products significantly contribute to global energy efficiency making a difference around the world every day.

Booch’s story is one of health, growth, community, and local love; it’s a story that came to fruition through a mission of healing.

“Being named the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year through the OBAA meant that Booch’s accomplishments and efforts were being recognized at a provincial level. This tremendous award started with support from the London Chamber of Commerce. It has given Booch leverage to continue to build strong partnerships with local businesses, as well as continue to act as a leader in the growing kombucha industry.” – Shannon Kamins, Founder and Master Fermenter, Booch Organic Kombucha